RFL calls for Skills and Social Mobility in the North

The Rugby Football League has developed strong proposals for a Hub for Skills and Social Mobility through the sport to be based in the North – connected to and supporting all the core communities served by Rugby League clubs and Foundations.

Sport in general, and Rugby League in particular, is a fundamental power for social good and social change. Increasingly sports at the heart of their communities deliver a range of services – far wider than playing or coaching sport – which tap into the affinity we have with sport, and local pride, to connect and support people and increase aspiration.

The Rugby League World Cup in England in 2021 is already demonstrating the local, regional and national inspiration and practical impact of hosting major international events – something the UK excels at.

There’s a body of evidence – including the recent Rugby League Dividend Report authored by Manchester Metropolitan University – that in its core communities, Rugby League plays a significant role week in week out in helping address the skills gap amongst paid and voluntary workforces and young people, which is central to the economic rebalancing of the North.

Through the Rugby League Development Plan, sponsored by Mears Group, Leeds Rhinos Foundation is able to engage thousands of children from across the city in the sport at grassroots and increase participation, both in schools and at community clubs.

Ralph Rimmer, CEO, the RFL said; “The sport has a strong commitment to acting as an enabler for social benefit, and social mobility, in the communities we serve.

“We can evidence the impact that this sport makes in improving life chances and we are now stimulating a discussion with political leaders around the need to innovate and find new ways to provide young people in our core areas with the skills and experience they need to succeed. We are uniquely placed to do more.

“That is why we are inviting political leaders to discuss an enhanced role for the sport and the country’s first Hub for Skills and Social Mobility though Sport.”

For more information about Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rugby League Development Plan, please CLICK HERE.